Current tax rate will hold in new Rocky Top budget
Rocky Top city workers would get raises in the new 2022-23 fiscal year budget, but the city’s property tax rate would stay the same, with no increase planned, according to City Manager Michael Foster.
The City Council gave initial approval to the new budget during its regular meeting last Thursday night, passing it 4-0 on first reading, even though some details remain to be worked out.
Foster, City Recorder Kari Bates and City Council members will meet for a “budget workshop,” open to the public, at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 2 to finalize the revenue and spending plan.
The council will then vote on the new budget on second and final reading at the next regular council meeting at 6 p.m. Thursday, June 16.
A public hearing on the budget ordinance will be held at 5:30 p.m., just prior to the June 16 council meeting.
The new budget goes into effect July 1.
Rocky Top plans a balanced city budget with no property-tax rate increase required, Foster said during last Thursday’s meeting.
“Our revenue has been pretty level,” Foster said.
“We feel good about this. The goal is to give raises, and there will be no tax increase.
“Last year, revenue was up, so being flat this year is not a bad thing.” Foster said.
In other business during Thursday’s council meeting:
• The council was told that the city’s Independence Day celebration and fireworks this year will be held on Friday, July 1. It begins with a city-hosted party at the ballfield next to the Community Center from 5-9 p.m., with the fireworks display to be held at 10 p.m.
• Council members were told that ASAP of Anderson County and the city would be hosting a free movie night at the Community Center ballfield beginning at 7 p.m. Saturday, June 11, showing the film “Encanto.” There will be hot dogs, popcorn and Kona Ice for refreshments, and the movie will begin as soon as it gets dark enough outside, Foster said.
